Aewol Eunhye Jeonbok – Is This Place for Abalone Dishes or Mulhoe? Jeju Mulhoe Restaurant Recommendation
As someone who loves Korean cuisine and seafood, I believe the best abalone comes straight from Wando’s local market. The abundance of fresh, large, farmed abalones there is unrivaled. I rarely eat abalone outside Wando unless I really crave it. But in Jeju, especially in Aewol, a place specializing in abalone intrigued me. I wanted to see how confident they were in their reputation as an Aewol dining spot.
- GOOGLE MAP
- Location: 24-3, Aewollo 1-gil, Aewol-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do (1F)
- Business Hours: 09:40–20:00 (Last Order at 19:30)
First Impressions
Located near Aewol Café Street, the first-floor Eunhye Jeonbok restaurant doesn’t advertise heavily on Naver. This is a plus in my book. As I mentioned earlier, this place is slightly sweetened to cater to non-locals and foreign tourists’ palates. While Jeju’s seasoning is often too subtle for me, I found this better balanced. If you search “Jeju Mulhoe Restaurant” in the Aewol area, this place will likely pop up.
The exterior is modest, with a snack restaurant on the second floor (the signage there is a bit distracting). Aewol, known for its large café clusters, has limited parking. Though the building offers a few parking spots, it’s better to use nearby private lots, priced at 4,000 KRW per hour.
The Menu and Dishes
Eunhye Jeonbok’s specialties are all about abalone. My companion and I ordered two abalone dishes:
- Sea Urchin and Abalone Mulhoe – 20,000 KRW
This dish stands out as one of the best mulhoe offerings in Jeju. As a mulhoe enthusiast, I can confidently rank it among the top. The visual appeal is striking, setting it apart from the more typical mulhoe found in Sokcho. Its combination of veggies like dropwort, perilla leaves, green onions, carrots, onions, seaweed, sea urchin roe, and abalone creates a unique style. From the first look, it’s clear you’re in for a treat. At 20,000 KRW, it’s worth every won—definitely an Aewol dining spot.
- Abalone Stone Pot Rice – 17,000 KRW
Abalone stone pot rice is a rare dish, typically only available at abalone specialty restaurants. It’s a luxurious use of abalone, but this dish makes the most of it. Each serving includes at least two whole abalones. However, instead of a traditional stone pot, it arrived in a stainless-steel pot—slightly disappointing but still flavorful.
The rice is seasoned lightly but perfectly balanced, and pairing it with the provided soy-based sauce brings out another dimension of flavor. Of course, the meal isn’t complete without the nutty finish of nurungji (crispy rice).
Pro Tips for Visiting Aewol Eunhye Jeonbok
- Timing Matters: Avoid peak lunch hours to skip waiting in line. A late lunch around 2 PM is ideal for a quiet experience.
- Parking Strategy: The restaurant’s parking is limited, so check nearby private lots in advance to save time.
- Try the Mulhoe First: If you’re unsure what to order, go for the Sea Urchin and Abalone Mulhoe. It’s their star dish for a reason.
- Request the Stone Pot: If you prefer traditional stone pot rice over stainless steel, call ahead and inquire if it’s available that day.
- Pair It With Local Drinks: A light makgeolli or soju pairs beautifully with the abalone dishes.
My Verdict
This place successfully delivers flavors you can’t find in other mulhoe spots. For those over 40, who may appreciate more subtle seasoning, this place is an excellent choice. Even those who prefer bolder flavors will find the dishes enjoyable due to their high quality. Eunhye Jeonbok shows great attention to detail, from its fresh ingredients to well-prepared recipes.
I confidently place Eunhye Jeonbok in the top three of my Jeju mulhoe recommendations. If you’re visiting Jeju and are in the mood for exceptional mulhoe or abalone dishes, this spot is a must-try.
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